Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to drive a car in some cities. Finding parking in downtown areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, and even Sacramento poses a challenge.
When you do find parking where it’s scarce, the fees can shock you. Attending major events including sporting and music also make finding parking a challenging task. Then, when you find it, it’s expensive.
Taxi cabs have existed for several centuries. The first one was a horse-drawn carriage in London in 1636. Thus, the ride service has evolved.
The following are seven things to know before your first Uber or Lyft ride.
1. Uber and Lyft are Part of Ridesharing Networks
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The main difference between cabs and ordering an Uber or Lyft is that the latter are app-based. Thus, you must download the corresponding app.
You can walk out onto downtown streets and hail a taxi that happens to go by. They also congregate at train and bus stops as well as hotels, event venues, and bars.
Uber and Lyft drivers wait for notifications. They accept the request and head out to meet the passenger.
In addition, the two services are members of the sharing economy.
All transportation options can experience accidents. If your Uber or Lyft driver becomes involved in a collision, contact the JT Legal Group team.
2. Order a Ride When You’re Ready to Leave
Rideshare drivers do not wait for passengers. Thus, order a ride when you’re ready to leave.
Drivers complete all transactions through their respective apps. When they arrive, they input the info. Then, the clock begins ticking. The fare starts accumulating after two minutes of idling.
If you don’t show up within a reasonable time of the driver’s arrival, the driver can cancel the trip. Plus, they will charge you a cancellation fee.
3. Estimate the Costs Before Booking
Since rideshare services rely on technology, the services offer online trip fare calculators.
Whether you want to compare shops or you don’t know how much a trip will cost, use the calculator. It’s free and provides an estimate to help you budget your ride more accurately.
4. You Can Sit in the Back
Most people sit in the back seat, the same way they would sit in a cab. Moreover, it’s 100% acceptable.
If you want to sit in the front next to the driver, you can in most cases. Ask the driver before hopping in. In 2022, some people remain worried about the transmission of germs. Thus, they might prefer to social distance in the vehicle.
When a large group travels together, someone might have to sit in the front.
5. Confirm the Ride by Checking the Vehicle License Plate
According to data, an estimated two million individuals drive for both Uber and Lyft in the United States. Some cities have more than others. To avoid confusion, check the vehicle’s license plate when the driver arrives.
You want to ensure that you hop into the correct vehicle.
This doubles as a safety measure, especially at night in areas that see more congestion.
6. You Can Tip the Driver
Tipping etiquette exists. Even though a driver doesn’t help you with luggage, it’s customary to tip them for the ride. You can tip them with cash or use the app.
However, Lyft doesn’t require tipping. Tech startups have a different culture than corporations. They know what it’s like to start with zero investment or operate under a tight budget for several years.
Plus, rideshare services attract specific passengers. Individuals who don’t own a car but prefer to skip public transportation opt for this service.
If you need to save money, you don’t need to tip the driver every time.
7. You Can Rate Your Driver
Another difference between rideshare services and taxi cabs is the ability to rate your rideshare driver. If you note the cab number and the driver’s ID number, you can call the taxi company and file a complaint or compliment.
Rideshare services make the feedback process much easier. Simply log into the app and rate the driver on a one- to five-star scale.
Conclusion
Consumers have several transportation options at their disposal. Millennials made rideshare services popular and helped keep them afloat. Even seasoned rideshare consumers benefit from knowing the basics of the service. It ensures efficiency and an enjoyable ride.
